By Nancy Meredith
Mesothelioma, a rare asbestos-related cancer usually affect the lining of the lungs, is resistant to many standard cancer treatments so it to handle difficult disease. Depending on the level of mesothelioma, the medical team determines the best treatment plan for patients. Many times a multimodal Protocol is developed, where the patient is exposed to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and faces such a treatment plan knows how to deal with the numerous medical issues is overwhelming.
While friends and family can provide help and guidance, the challenge of managing a mesothelioma diagnosis can patients and his family unaware or next steps confused leave. Keep track of all the doctors visits, tests, treatments, medical bills and insurance concerns feels like a full time job too many patients. To ensure that the patient at the right time will receive the proper care to the patient support in dealing with his health some hospitals now offer relief in the form of support from an Oncology nurse Navigator.
Nurse Navigator position defined
A relatively new position, a nurse Navigator is a crucial member of the patients medical team and remains with the cancer patients from start to finish, while direct plan it and it to help manage decisions concerning his treatment plan. The national coalition of Oncology nurse Navigator (NCONN), a professional organization that supports the Oncology nurse Navigator believes nurse navigators are changing the face of cancer care "by lobbying for and ongoing advice and support for cancer patients, their families and significant others."
In August, NCONN published the following formal definition for an Oncology nurse Navigator:
«The Oncology nurse Navigator is a professional whose clinical nursing expertise patients, families and their caregivers informed decision-making;» «results» in cooperation with a multidisciplinary team to timely cancer screening, diagnosis, to provide treatment and increased supportive care about the cancer continuum.
Navigators pull together the information
Laurie Lloyd, a nurse Navigator in Baptist Health Medical Center-little rock, said to especially an advocate and liaison for "your patients, sometimes I am like a cheerleader, the patient through the next phase to help" and concerns in an interview that, while you is listening. Lloyd said that, while any doctor meets his part, the patient can be left with together fragmented information, and that's where a nurse Navigator comes the Navigator is focused on the patient as a whole.
Nurse navigators are aware of the unique needs of patients and can with other patients that match looking for someone in a similar situation. With the rare and complexity of mesothelioma, seeking support from other mesothelioma patients can be considerable.
